In the realm of automotive journalism, and wider content creation, tools that lighten the mental load and preserve fleeting thoughts are invaluable. The PLAUD NOTE AI Voice Recorder isn’t just another dictation device; it’s a slim, thoughtfully crafted AI companion. After testing it in both professional and high-noise environments, including client meetings and an energy sector conference, it left a serious impression.
Premium Design, Pocket-Ready Performance
Clad in a super-slim aluminium shell, this recorder screams minimalism. At just 30 grams and a few millimetres thick, it’s discreet enough to sit in a jacket pocket or even mount neatly to the back of your phone using the included magnetic case. Despite its lightweight build, it feels incredibly robust, this isn’t plasticky tech masquerading as premium.
This device recently won the 2024 iF Product Design Award, and it’s easy to see why.
Surprisingly Capable Audio Quality
Whether nestled in a conference bag or out on the table, the dual-mode recording system captures clean audio. Ambient meeting chatter or direct phone calls , it handles both with aplomb. In use at an Octopus Energy conference, it recorded over eight hours of sessions (in 30 to 60-minute segments), and the audio remained impressively clear. Even when not held or placed directly in front of the speaker, the results were highly usable.
Transcription & AI Summarisation: The True Selling Point
But the real value? That comes post-recording.
Powered by GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet, the PLAUD NOTE turns hours of raw voice into structured, insightful content , from transcripts to summaries, even mind maps and to-do lists. In practical testing, this was a game-changer. Interviews, panel talks, and even voice-notes during drives became instantly accessible, searchable, and editable text.
A particular highlight was using the recorder while reviewing cars. Mid-drive notes were seamlessly captured and structured later via the app, allowing for deeper reflections and better content recall during article prep.
The App & Subscription Model
The PLAUD app is the central hub for managing files, transcriptions, and summaries. It’s intuitive and responsive, syncing quickly with the device and offering handy extras like audio trimming, speaker separation, and external file import.
You get 300 minutes of AI transcription per month free, but beyond that, a subscription is required , currently £18/month for 1200 additional minutes. This may raise eyebrows for some users, especially casual note-takers. For professionals, however, the cost-to-value ratio is justifiable given the time saved.
Key Pros
- Slim, sleek, and premium feel – genuinely pocket-friendly
- High-fidelity audio even in non-ideal recording scenarios
- AI-driven summaries and transcripts with impressive accuracy
- Supports 112 languages – making it ideal for multilingual settings
- Phone call recording support via magnetic mount
- 30 hours recording on a single charge
- Cloud sync and file organisation features streamline workflows
Cons
- Subscription pricing may not suit occasional users
- Summaries for very long recordings can lose nuance (workaround: break them up or export raw transcription)
- Mind-mapping feature feels more novelty than necessity
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, with context.
For journalists, consultants, students, and even car reviewers on the go, the PLAUD NOTE isn’t just helpful, it’s transformative. While the subscription model could deter light users, the included minutes offer a great starting point. It’s a rare product where both form and function exceed expectations.
For Motor Verso, where clarity, structure, and content capture matter as much as horsepower and handling, the PLAUD NOTE earns its place in the kit bag.
RRP: £149.90 – Use code: MOTORVERSO for 20% off.
Available in Carbon Black, Silver, and Starlight
Ships with magnetic phone case, charging cable, and 64GB built-in storage
